Myristic Acid, also called tetradecanoic acid, occurs naturally in vegetable or animal fats and oils with relatively high levels found in nutmeg, palm oil, coconut oil and butter fat. The salts of Myristic acid are formed by reaction with base materials such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. The esters of Myristic Acid are derived from Myristic Acid and an alcohol. For example, Isopropyl Myristate is derived from Myristic Acid and isopropyl alcohol, and Butyl Myristate is derived from Myristic Acid and butyl alcohol.

CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel recognizes that the salts of Myristic Acid dissociate to form Myristic Acid and esters of Myristic Acid are hydrolyzed to their corresponding alcohols and Myristic Acid which are then further metabolized. Myristic Acid is a digestible constituent of most vegetable and animal fats and is nontoxic when ingested. Following oral exposure, Butyl Myristate and Ethyl Myristate were not toxic. Dermal exposure indicated that Myristic Acid and Butyl Myristate were not irritating. Myristic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate and Myristyl Myristate were minimally irritating to the eyes. Ethyl Myristate, Glyceryl Myristate and Isopropyl Myristate were not sensitizers. Isopropyl Myristate was negative in genotoxicity tests and was not carcinogenic.

FDA Code of Federal Regulations for fatty acids Myristic Acid and its salts and esters may be used in cosmetics and personal care products in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. If these ingredients are derived from animal sources, they must comply with the European Union animal by-products regulations.

More scientific Information:

Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with 14 carbon atoms. In cosmetics and personal care products, Myristic Acid functions as an opacifying agent and a surfactant â€“ cleansing agent. Among the salts and esters of Myristic Acid that may be used in cosmetics and personal care products, Isopropyl Myristate is most likely to be used. Isopropyl Myristate, the ester of Myristic Acid and isopropyl alcohol, is also used in topical medications. In cosmetics and personal care products, Isopropyl Myristate functions as a binder, and skin-conditioning agent â€“ emollient.